New Plugs

[ajgriffin]

Swapping out my plugs as these are fouled up pretty bad. I think the cause was a vacuum cap that broke off, but not certain just yet. My question is, how do I clean out the area where the plugs go in?

[Steeveedee]

This is a joke, right? first of all, they obviously weren't torqued properly. I'll let others comment...

[Getter-Done]

There is a lot of Stuff going on on the top of this engine

That is Trouble waiting to happen.

[ajgriffin]

OK, I thought I was asking for help.

Honest and helpful feedback is appreciated.

[Getter-Done]

I would insert the plug back in the hole finger tight.
Then spray brake cleaner to remove what you can of the oil residue.
Then I would use some Brake Cleaner on a Soft rag to remove the rest of oil residue.

Being careful not to get any contaminants in the cylinder.

My comment is helpful about you got a lot of stuff going on.

That fuel filter needs to go Away. Period.

You are just asking for trouble.

The other hoses with all the Extra unneeded clamps

That is just a use what you have to make it work.

Or clean it up to eliminate a source of a vacuum leak.

I have been there on the make it work stuff.

The clamps on those hoses may be causing issues also.

Just trying to Help.

[geezer#99]

Ditto on the filter. They crack and start fires.
Plugs aren’t fouled too bad, just warn out.
Oil on the threads is usually a sign of leaking guides.
The broken vacuum cap lets air in. Carb runs a bit leaner.

What do you have for a breather on the drivers side valve cover?

[RustyPile]

Those may be the wrong spark plugs. Can't really tell what with all the gunk around the hole, but at first look it appears to require tapered seat plugs, not gasket type.. You can tell more about it when you get the gunk cleaned off.. This might explain why the gunk built up in the first place.

As others have said, get rid of that type fuel filter, it's just asking for a fire to start. Replace all the "clamped hoses" with one piece hoses.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I only use that style fuel filter on a fuel transfer pump that I use for syphoning gas out of jerry cans. I had a plastic fuel filter over the manifold on a 454 in a '67 K/10 Suburban once. A backfire lit off the K&N air filter [oil-soaked] and the plastic fuel filter melted. Engine fire was snuffed in the nick of time, but that totalled the Sub.
I only use a steel can type fuel filter just before the carb, now.
I have an Edelbrock 1405 Performer carb, too. I usually plug the fitting on the Driver's Side and attach the Vacuum Canister hose to the Passenger Side port.
There is a lot of debate over whether you should use one or the other. That way you're bypassing Vacuum Advance.
I would follow the above suggestions about cleaning off the spark plug holes, and then use an engine degreaser spray and pressure wash off the whole engine.
Afterwards, a tune up with new plugs is in order. Looks like you're running HEI, so gap them at .045''. If it was my truck, I'd put on a new cap, rotor, and plug wires, too.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

"That type of filter has burned down more houses than ex-wives" -- Derek Bieri ;-)

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by ajgriffin

Swapping out my plugs as these are fouled up pretty bad. I think the cause was a vacuum cap that broke off, but not certain just yet. My question is, how do I clean out the area where the plugs go in?

Attachment 2293516

Attachment 2293517

Attachment 2293518

Looks like the electrode on the plug is missing/very worn down.

I concur with the other post about installing the plug finger tight and spraying with some cleaner. When you install your new plugs, put a very light coat of anti-seize on the threads only...allow the plug and washer to make good contact with the block for grounding. That should help. Check, clean and re-gap your plugs every 3-5 thousand miles.